NWJSA Modified Rules

These rules are designed to be read in conjunction with the current FIFA rules and the N.W.J.S.A. By-Laws.

This book contains the modifications, shown in Italic’s, made by the N.W.J.S.A. to the FIFA rules.

Additional information is provided to assist in the understanding of the FIFA and modified rules.

These rules are for the standard, weekly, NWJSA competitions, not cup rounds. Rules for the cup rounds will be printed at a later date.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Games are conducted as friendly games. Competition points and league tables shall only apply to the under 12 & 13 age group.

Under 6, 7, 8 and 9 one coach per side may enter the field of play for the purpose of instruction. They must not run with the players, obstruct or interfere with play, nor enter either goal area while the game is in progress.

Under 6 age group will have a game leader provided by the association.

No coaching is allowed from outside the field of play except by the coach, and then only if information is given quietly in a non-hysterical manner.

No one is allowed to stand along the goal line, next to or near the goals.

LAW 1 – THE FIELD OF PLAY

(Dimensions)

The field of play must be rectangular. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line.

Under 6: 30 m x 20 m

Under 7: 58 m x 38 m.

Under 8: 60 m x 40 m.

Under 9: 65 m x 40 m.

Under 10 and 11:75 m x 45 m.

Under 12 and 13: In accordance with FIFA rules.

(Field Markings)

Under 6, 7, 8 and 9: Centre circle: 8 m

Under 10 and 11: Centre circle: 9 m

Under 12 and 13: In accordance with FIFA rules.

(The Goal Area)

A goal area is defined at each end of the field.

Under 6: No goal area marked.

Under 7, 8 and 9: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 9 m from the inside of each goal post. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 9 m and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

Under 10 and 11: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 6 m from the inside of each goal post. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 6 m and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

Under 12 and 13: In accordance with FIFA rules.

(The Penalty Area)

A penalty area may be defined at each end of the field.

Under 6, 7, 8 and 9: No penalty area marked

Under 10 and 11: Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 14 m from the inside of each goal post. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 14 m and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line.

Under 12 and 13: In accordance with FIFA rules.

(Goals)

Goals must be placed on the centre of each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from the corner flag posts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar.

Size of Goals:

Under 6: 1 m half round goal.

Under 7 and 8: Distance between post 4.5 m – Ground to crossbar 1.6 m

Under 9: Distance between post 4.5 m – Ground to crossbar 1.8 m.

Under 10 and 11: Distance between post 6 m – Ground to crossbar 2 m.

Under 12 and 13: In accordance with FIFA rules.

Field dimensions and goal sizes are recommendations only following many years of experience in junior soccer. They may be varied in accordance with the amount of ground and material available and the ages of players involved.

LAW 2 – THE BALL

In all NWJSA sanctioned games a suitable size 4 soccer balls shall be used.

LAW 3 – THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS

A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than:

Under 6: Four (4) players on the field.

Under 7, 8 and 9: Seven (7) players on the field.

Under 10: Nine (9) players on the field.

Under 11: Ten (10) players on the field.

Under 12 and 13: Eleven (11) players on the field.

In each team a player must be designated as the goalkeeper except for Under 6 where there is no goalkeeper. The game leader, coaches and managers should continually discourage children from

permanently standing in front of the goal.

Substitution

In all games there shall be no limit to the number of substitutes used, subject to their being named on the match card prior to the commencement of the game. Players substituted may return to the game.

Under 6 age group the coach is allowed to make the substitutions while the ball is in play. The interchange of players must take place at the half way point of the field.

Under 7, under 8, under 9, under 10, under 11, under 12 & under 13 age groups, such substitutions may only be made during a stoppage in the play e.g. ball out of play, free kicks, goal kicks, and only when signalled by the referee.

Such substitutions must be made adjacent to the half way line and may be made only when signalled by the referee.

In all age groups the substitute player may not enter the field of play until the player being replaced has left the field.

In all age groups a player sent off the field by the referee may not return. In competitive games (under 12 & under 13) players sent off may not be replaced.

LAW 4 – THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

(Safety)

A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to themselves or other players (this includes any kind of jewellery).

No players are allowed to play if they are wearing a plaster cast.

Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers are to wear colours that distinguish themselves from the other players, the referee and the assistant referees.

Basic Equipment

The basic equipment of a player is:

1. A guernsey or shirt (numbers on shirts arecompulsory for under 12 and 13 age groups)

LAW 5 – THE REFEREE

Under 6 age group will have a game leader provided by the Association.

Game Leader: the main role of the game leader is to keep the game moving fluently, limit stoppages and assist players with all match re-starts. Most importantly, they must make every effort to create an environment that ensures that all players have fun and have maximum involvement. The game leader should always be enthusiastic and approachable. Most Importantly – Remember the children are learning the game – be flexible and patient.

All other age groups a referee will be supplied by the Association.

Iin the event of no official game leader/referee attending a game it shall be the coach’s responsibility to provide a suitable game leader/referee. If one of the coaches accepts the job of game leader/referee they cannot coach as well.

The decisions of the referee regarding actions connected with play are final.

Important:

In the event of any complaint or objection relating to a referee’s conduct of a game, on no account shall players, coaches or parents make such complaints or objections directly to the referee concerned.

Such complaints or objections must be made to the Referee Co-ordinator, an NWJSA Official or the Association.

LAW 6 – THE ASSISTANT REFEREES (LINES PERSON)

It is the responsibility of each team to supply a responsible person to perform the duties of an assistant referee; young children should not be given this responsibility.

School assistance referee duties, subject to the decision of the referee, are to indicate:

1. When the whole of the ball has passed out of the field of play.

2. Which team is entitled to a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in.

3. When a player may be penalized for being in an off side position.

LAW 7 – THE DURATION OF THE MATCH

(Training Clinic)

Under 6, under 7 and under 8 age groups – 30 minutes training clinic

Players that do not attend clinic are not to take part in games

Recommended Periods of play (times may need to be reduced to fit in all teams).

The match lasts for two period of:

Under 6, 7 & 8: 10 minutes

Under 9: 15 minutes

Under 10: 20 minutes

Under 11: 20 minutes

Under 12 & 13: 25 minutes

If matches are started later than the scheduled time the periods must be reduced to ensure the game finishes at least 2 minutes before the scheduled start of the next game.

(Half-Time Interval)

Players are entitled to an interval at half time.

Most games will have a 2-5 minutes interval, as all games must finish at least 2 minutes before the scheduled start of the next game.

With bad weather conditions the teams may change straight over without a half-time interval.

(Allowance for Time Lost)

There is no allowance for time lost in NWJSA games.

(Extra Time)

There is no allowance for time lost in NWJSA weekly games. Cup games may have different rules.

LAW 8 – THE START AND RESTART OF PLAY

Under 6 – Pass forward to a team member from the middle of the half way line. All players must be in their own half of the field of play. Opponents must be at least 5m away from the ball until it is in play. The ball must touch a team member before a goal can be scored.

All other age groups – The Start and Restart of Play is taken in accordance with FIFA rules.

LAW 9 – THE BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY

Ball In and Out of Play is determined in accordance with FIFA rules.

LAW 10 – THE METHOD OF SCORING

The method of scoring is determined in accordance with FIFA rules.

LAW 11 – OFFSIDE

NWJSA uses the FIFA interpretation of the Offside. A interactive tutorial on office can be found here.

It is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position.

A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team; he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by:

· interfering with play or

· interfering with an opponent or

· gaining an advantage by being in that position.

With Under 13, Under 12, Under 11 and Under 10 games the Offside Law is only applied within the attackers half of the field of play.

Attacking team offside only in shaded area

With Under 9 games the Offside Law is only applied from a dotted line across the field half way between the goal areaand the centre line.

Attacking team offside only in shaded area

With Under 7 and Under 8 gamesthe Offside Law is only applied within 9 metres of the attacking team’s goal line.

Attacking team offside only in shaded area

The offside law does not apply in Under 6 age group

LAW 12 – FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

Under 6 – Indirect free kicks are awarded for all acts of handball or fouls and misconduct. Opponents must be at least 5m away from the ball when the indirect free kick is taken. (An indirect free kick is where a goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another player before it enters the goal). Most acts of handball or fouls and misconduct at this level are caused by a lack of coordination, with no intent. In this case try and give the advantage to the attacking team and continue play. If you decide a deliberate or serious act of handball, foul or misconduct has occurred, explain to the child they have done the wrong thing and that they should not do this again.

All other age groups

Direct Free Kick

A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following six offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:

· kicks or attempts to kick an opponent

· trips or attempts to trip an opponent

· jumps at an opponent

· charges an opponent

· strikes or attempts to strike an opponent

· pushes an opponent.

A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following four offences:

· tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball

· holds an opponent

· spits at an opponent

· handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area).

Indirect Free Kick

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following four offences:

· takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with his/her hands before releasing it from his/her possession

· touches the ball again with his/her hands after it has been released from his/her possession and has not touched any other player

· touches the ball with his/her hands after a team member has deliberately kicked the ball to the goalkeeper

· touches the ball with his/her hands after he/she has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a teammember

An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the referee:

· plays in a dangerous manner

· impedes the progress of an opponent

· prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from theirhands

· commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player.

Disciplinary sanctions

Cautionable offences

A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if they commit any of the following seven offences:

1. is guilty of unsporting behaviour

2. shows dissent by word or action

3. persistently infringes the Laws or the Game

4. delays the restart of play

5. fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick or free kick

6. enters or re-enters the field of play without the referee’s permission

7. deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee’s permission

Sending-Off Offences

A player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following seven offences:

1. is guilty of serious foul play

2. is guilty of violent conduct

3. spits at an opponent or any other person

4. denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within their own penalty area)

5. denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offence punishable by a free kick on a penalty kick

6. uses offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures

7. receives a second caution in the same match

A Referee may send a player off, without showing a red card, to cool off and allow that player to return later. It must be understood that it is the right of the referee to make such a decision.

A player sent off the field by the referee showing a red card in competitive games (Under 12 & 13) may not return, and may not be replaced.

In all other age groups a player sent off the field by the referee showing a red card may not return, but can be replaced.

In all age groups a player sent off the field by the referee showing a red card must not play in the next game.

LAW 13– FREE KICKS

All free kicks are taken in accordance with FIFA rules.

With under 6, under 7, under 8 and under 9 age groups if a free kick is taken incorrectly or unsuccessfully they may be allowed to retake the kick if the referee thinks the player will learn from the experience.. It must be understood that it is the right of the referee to make such a decision.

LAW 14– THE PENALTY KICK

Only Under 12 & 13 have penalty kicks and these are given and taken in accordance with FIFA rules.

Under 6, under 7, under 8, under 9, under 10 and under 11 age groups there will be no penalty kicks.

Under 7, under 8 and under 9 age groupsall free kicks awarded inside the goal area (for the attacking team) will be taken from a point on the edge of the goal area (excluding the goal line) nearest to where the infringement occurred.

Under 10 and under 11 age groups all free kicks awarded inside the penalty area (for the attacking team) will be taken from a point on the edge of the penalty area (excluding the goal line) nearest to where the infringement occurred.

LAW 15– THE THROW-IN

Under 6 – There is no throw in. A player from the opposing team to the player that touched the ball last before crossing the touch line will place the ball on the touch line and pass or dribble the ball into play. Opponents must be at least 5m away from the ball until it is in play. The ball must touch a team mate before a goal can be scored.

All other age groups – Throw-ins are given and taken in accordance with FIFA rules.

Under 7, under 8 and under 9 age groups if a throw-in is taken incorrectly or unsuccessfully they are allowed to retake the throw-in.

Under 10 and under 11 age groups if a throw-in is taken incorrectly or unsuccessfully they are allowed to retake the throw-in, if the second throw-in is taken incorrectly or unsuccessfully the the throw-in is taken by a player fromthe opposing team.

LAW 16– THE GOAL KICK

Goal Kicks are given and taken in accordance with FIFA rules. Under 6 the goal kick will be taken within 2 m of the goal.

Under 6, 7, 8 & 9 – start of play with a goal kick, attacking team to retreat into their defensive half of the field until ball is kicked into play.

Under 10 & 11 – start of play with a goal kick, once at team has a +3 goal difference or advantage they must retreat into their defensive half of the field until ball is kicked into play.

For the Under 10 & under 11 age groups the goal kick is taken from anywhere in the penalty area.

With under 7, 8 and 9 age groups , the goal kick is taken from anywhere in the goal area, if a goal kick is taken incorrectly or unsuccessfully they may be allowed to retake the goal kick if the referee thinks the player will learn from the experience.. It must be understood that it is the right of the referee to make such a decision.

LAW 17– THE CORNER KICK

Under 6 – There is no corner kick. Regardless of which team touched the ball last, a player from the team whose goal line the ball has crossed will place the ball anywhere along the goal line and pass or dribble the ball into play. Opponents must retreat to the half way line and can move once the ball is in play. The ball must touch a team mate before a goal can be scored.

All other age groups – Corner Kicks are given and taken in accordance with FIFA rules.

With under 7, under 8 and under 9 age groups if a corner kick is taken incorrectly they may be allowed to retake the corner kick if the referee thinks the player will learn from the experience. It must be understood that it is the right of the referee to make such a decision.

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